Withdrawal of Eco-town Plan Welcomed by Lib Dems

3.49.48pm GMT Tue 10th Feb 2009

Liberal Democrats have welcomed the withdrawal of the Marston Vale Eco-town bid, which threratened the Vale with severe over-development

The proposal for a new town of up to 20,000 homes in the Marston Vale as part of the Government's 'Eco-towns' programme has been withdrawn. Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats had submitted a critical response to the Government's consultation on the Eco-Town programme, and have welcomed the withdrawal of the bid.

In a joint letter on the issue to a local newspaper, Liberal Democrat Councillors for Wootton and Stewartby Judith Cunningham and Tim Hill wrote:

'The withdrawal of the Marston Vale plans from the Eco-Towns programme is very good news for local residents. While the proposed giant development was included in the Government's flawed programme, the entire area between the Marsh Leys Roundabout near Kempston and Junction 13 of the M1 was under threat of over-development, with no local control over the decision. Now, O&H Properties' plans for development in this area will be subject to the local planning system, and the views of local residents must be central to the process.'